Posted on 26 Mar 2026

Director of Design Engineering

Los Angeles, CA
Permanent
$250,000 - $300,000

ACE Partners is supporting one of their Aviation partners with a Direct of Design Engineering opportunity. We are looking for an experienced leader operating in the design engineering sector of an organization. The Director of Design Engineering is a member of the engineering team who leads a Design Engineering team. Design Engineering teams are responsible for the design, validation, and certification of mechanical systems, airframes, and propulsion systems for rotorcraft applications.

This role is a full-time direct role with our end client, and will operate fully onsite at their facility in Los Angeles, CA.

Responsibilities

  • Manage multiple, varying, complex engineering projects ensuring that company and regulatory requirements, safety standards, policies, and guidance for design, production, and airworthiness are satisfied.
  • Provide guidance to team members to ensure high quality designs.
  • Conduct resource and schedule planning, recruiting, training, and performance management of team personnel.
  • Define and communicate required facilities, infrastructure, equipment, and tools to program and company leadership.
  • Develop and ensure compliance with department processes and standard procedures to ensure engineering work is accomplished with high levels of effectiveness, consistency, and efficiency.
  • Coordinate job assignments to best accomplish program objectives while ensuring growth opportunities for team members.
  • Perform mentoring, performance evaluation, and career development of team members.
  • Develop and implement a department level training program to ensure personnel are qualified to conduct required tasks.
  • Conduct engineering work in the same manner as engineers within the team.
  • Contribute insights and innovations to improve the product and organization.
  • Maintain required records and conduct audits to verify compliance with processes and procedures
  • Work with other engineers to integrate designs with other components, ensure designs meet customer expectations, design objectives, and the requirements of 14 CFR Part 27.
  • Interface with external suppliers of components and services to establish requirements and ensure compliance with requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering field.
  • 10+ years direct experience with design, testing, certification, or production of mechanical systems or aircraft structures.
  • Possess a temperament and the desire to effectively mentor and coach the team,
  • Must be a proven self-starter requiring minimal supervision, with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent academic record.
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Team-oriented, possess a positive attitude, and work well with others.

Desired Qualifications

  • Prior experience managing an engineering organization
  • Master’s Degree in a related engineering field.
  • Experience with helicopter design, development, and certification.
  • FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) or ODA Unit Member (UM).

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
  • 401k
  • 10% annual bonus
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